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A life of service: Sister Mary Bede honored at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital

BY ADAM TESTA, THE SOUTHERN

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 10:08 AM CDT

MURPHYSBORO - Lois Murphy and her daughter, Alice, had just enjoyed spending a day at Riverside Park.

As they were leaving, a young Alice stepped out in the road before Lois and was struck by a car. She broke her leg and had the skin peeled off her back. While hospitalized at the old St. Andrews Hospital, Alice and her mother became friends with Sister Mary Bede Bolzenius.

"She was a saint; there's no doubt about it," Lois said Monday. A portrait honoring Sister Mary Bede, who died May 1, 2007, was unveiled at the Labyrinth of Inspiration at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital.

St. Joseph replaced long-standing St. Andrews and became the workplace of Sister Mary Bede and many of her closest friends for many years.

The portrait featured a picture of the former hospital administrator, a photo of her with Alice Murphy and an image of stained glass windows bearing the words "Love another as I have loved you."

From listening to those who spent time around Sister Mary Bede, one could easily catch on to how "as I have loved you" applied to her. Sister Agnesine Jansen, Sister Mary Maurice-Loepker and Sister Clara Ternes, all of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ in Ruma, worked with and respected their friend and fellow nun.

"People have truly loved her and appreciated everything she did for them," Jansen said. The other two women shared her sentiments after the portrait dedication ceremony.

Sister Mary Bede left behind a legacy inspiring people to be good listeners, learn to work cooperatively and show concern and compassion for the community, the three women said.

The administration of St. Joseph and the city of Murphysboro used Monday's ceremony as a way to honor Sister Mary Bede and to launch a week of appreciation for hospital workers. Mayor Ron Williams issued an official proclamation naming the week of May 11 to 17 as St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Week in Murphysboro.

adam.testa@thesouthern.com / 351-5031